Nursing Care Plan – Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscles throughout the body to tighten. Tetanus is also commonly called lockjaw, because the infection primarily causes muscle contractions in the jaw and neck, but can eventually spread to other parts of the body. Without treatment, tetanus infection can be life-threatening. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of tetanus infections are fatal (CDC).

Fortunately, tetanus is preventable through the use of a vaccine. However, this vaccine does not last forever; booster shots are needed every 10 years to ensure immunity. Because of the easy availability of the vaccine, tetanus is rare in the United States. However, it is more common in other countries that do not yet have strong immunization programs.

Click on the image below to view the NCP for Tetanus

Source:

http://www.healthline.com/health/tetanus

Liane Clores, RN MAN

Currently an Intensive Care Unit nurse, pursuing a degree in Master of Arts in Nursing Major in Nursing Service Administration. Has been a contributor of Student Nurses Quarterly, Vox Populi, The Hillside Echo and the Voice of Nightingale publications. Other experience include: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Obstetric, Emergency and Recovery Room Nursing.